Benin: Authorities amend COVID-19-related travel restrictions Dec. 29 /update 22

Benin amends COVID-19-related international restrictions Dec. 29. Domestic restrictions remain largely unchanged.

Event

Authorities in Benin have amended the nation's COVID-19-related restrictions as of Dec. 29. Effective Dec. 31, all arriving travelers must present a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours before their departure for Benin. Additionally, passengers arriving at Cotonou Cadjehoun International Airport (COO) must undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing. Individuals are also required to take COVID-19 tests at the Palais des Congres or COO within 72 hours of departing from Benin. Other measures have remained largely unchanged.

Domestic Measures
Nightclubs are closed; gatherings of more than 50 people and festive assemblies remain banned. All cultural, sporting, and religious events are suspended. Passengers traveling by taxi must wear protective facemasks.

International Travel Restrictions
Ground and maritime travel to and from Benin remains heavily restricted. Overland travel is limited to approved cases of extreme necessity and in coordination with neighboring countries. The land border with Togo is closed and it remains unclear whether any exceptions are allowed for travel to or from that country. Maritime and ground freight transport continues to operate.

Air borders have reopened and international flights are operating. Air travelers arriving in Benin must take up to three COVID-19 tests at their own expense. Travelers must also complete a health form available at the Ministry of Health's Health Surveillance Centre website before departure for Benin. Moreover, travelers may be required to surrender their passports on arrival. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival may get their passports back after completing 15 days of isolation and producing a negative result from a follow-up COVID-19 test. Those who test negative, however, can collect their passports from the Palais des Congres 72 hours after their arrival.

Persons visiting Benin for less than 15 days must submit special requests for their passports to the Minister of Health at the point of entry. Travelers who will be in Benin for less than three days are not required to take a follow-up test. Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 and display symptoms will be treated at a government facility. Asymptomatic carriers of the disease can self-isolate at a private location of the traveler's choice.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.